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Does Fish Oil Fight Cholesterol?

The internet and health care sections of book shops are literally awash with information about fish oil, extolling the virtues of daily consumption. There are a number of studies that suggest fish oil is implicated in improved memory, easing of joint pain, improved moods, better mental health and of course a reduction in cholesterol. What does this mean for a sceptic like me?

My interest in fish oil relates to the latter benefit - namely a reduction in cholesterol in the bloodstream. High cholesterol levels are demonstrably linked by research to heart and circulatory disease, of which my family has more than its' share. Now at 47 years of age, I have had elevated levels each time my blood has been tested for cholesterol.

November 2006 saw me with a total cholesterol level of 4.2 mmo/l. After 3 months on a daily 40mg dose of Lipitor, the LDL was too high and the HDL was too low at 0.7. My doctor proposed changing the medication. I was not keen to be dependent on prescription to control my cholesterol levels and yet my inclination to exercise and eat a strictly controlled diet is not well supported by past evidence! I booked another blood test with my doctor for February 2007 and commenced a personal experiment.

The "Program":

1. I maintained a reduced level of intake for both sugars and fats.
2. The Lipitor and Cardiprin (low dose aspirin) regime was maintained.
3. I commenced taking a daily 6000 mg dose of fish oil (in capsule form) 1 month before my February blood test.
4. 2 weeks prior to the blood test, and after extensive research, I raised the dose of fish oil to 9000 mg per day, whilst maintaining other aspects of my health routines.

The results:

The February 2007 blood tests resulted in some pleasing and some surprising results. My total blood cholesterol reduced to 3.1 mmo/l - a never before heard of personal achievement. This was a 26% reduction in total levels! Triglycerides were also down.

Of some concern was the fact that my HDL levels stubbornly resisted improvement and remained at 0.7. I guess I will have to exercise after all!

The unexpected surprise was that my waist circumference had decreased by 10 centimetres since I had last seen the doctor in November 2006! This no doubt explained why I was skipping a few belt notches getting dressed each day.

All in all a very pleasing result that did not require an immediate change of medication after all.

Observations:

It is all too easy to become an excitable convert when achieving a successful health outcome. However, I am personally convinced that the fish oil was a significant contributor to my improved health.

Not only were the numbers supporting this deduction, but my general sense of well being and vitality were noticeably improved. Never a good sleeper (I am still not a good sleeper) there was a marked improvement in my alertness during the working day. My memory is sharper and I don't take 5 minutes to think of the word I'm looking for. In the past, I have typically stumbled over words in early morning conversations as the brain and body try to kick into gear. However, I now find that I am relatively coordinated and functional from the moment I get out of bed.

I have decided that fish oil is for me. There is some expense, but the feeling of re-invigoration is well worth it. It will be interesting to see my blood results after the next test in 9 months.

If you haven't already, give fish oil a try. It is reputed to be a very low risk supplement with the potential for big and long-term "pay-offs"!

Lewis S.
South Australia

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